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Iain Mackay — former Principal Dancer of the Birmingham Royal Ballet and now Artistic Director of the Royal Ballet School — joins Sir Andrew Strauss and Dr Pete Lindsay to explore what performance, pressure, and purpose look like in one of the world’s most demanding art forms.
From growing up in Glasgow and hiding his ballet lessons to leading one of the most prestigious schools in the world, Iain’s story is one of courage, authenticity, and constant reinvention.
In this conversation, Iain shares the turning points that shaped his career — the lessons from a life on stage, the psychology behind elite performance, and what it takes to build the next generation of artists and leaders.
You’ll learn:
How an unlikely start in Glasgow led him to the world stage
Why mindset and resilience matter as much in the arts as in sport
What his grandfather taught him about confidence and perspective
How elite ballet mirrors elite sport in discipline, feedback, and teamwork
Why self-belief and authenticity are key to long-term success
How he managed imposter syndrome after becoming a Principal Dancer
What stepping off stage taught him about identity, purpose, and leadership
Why he believes the next generation of dancers must balance tradition with innovation
Iain’s journey is a rare glimpse behind the curtain of world-class performance — where art meets athleticism, and mindset defines mastery.
About Iain Mackay. Iain is Artistic Director of the Royal Ballet School and a former Principal Dancer with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Over a 20-year international career, he performed leading roles in some of ballet’s most iconic productions, before dedicating his focus to developing the next generation of performers.
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